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Growing Up With Iris
Iris were always in the gardens that my Mom created. They were her favorite flower. And of course she was quite fond of the many shades of purple. Today is her birthday and I’m thinking fondly of those purple iris that pleased her so much. These iris are growing in one of my gardens. They’re…
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Caught In Flight
The birds are so entertaining, going after the pinecones that have been coated with peanut butter and then rolled in sunflower kernels. Here, a Chickadee (Paridae) is hovering to get some of the snack I’ve created for the many birds. Peanut butter and sunflower kernels go into the suet that I cook up for them…
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Female White-breasted Nuthatch
It took a couple weeks but the White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) have returned, after no bird feeding for quite a while. They’re cute little birds that make a sound like an old toy tin car tooting its little horn. Or think of that little car laughing as it moves about. That’s the sound of the…
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Berries For Winter
Eastern Red Cedar berries (Juniperus virginiana). Though you can’t see them in this image there are many other Robins (Turdus migratorius) and Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) enjoying the treats that this tree provides for them. In a few minutes they’ll be swarming to the bird bath, gathering around for a refreshing drink of water. No…
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And So, It Rains
They said this would happen. And so, it rains. Just as they said. Color me very pleased. This photo, a very spent seed head of Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota). A seed head totally rain-sodden. _______________________________________________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!
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Rain Tomorrow Night
Rain drops on Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana). Perhaps this is will be the look of things tomorrow afternoon and into the night. I hope. _______________________________________________________________________ If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!
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Shivering As The Snow Falls
A Chickadee (Paridae) shivering and fluffed up as the snow comes down, trying to keep warm. As I see this, I want to make it into a Christmas card. Maybe next year’s Christmas card. Or perhaps pull out my pastels and do a painting, or maybe an oil painting. No action on any of those…
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A Mighty Long Beetle
An amazing creature. An Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus), which can be found in the eastern United States. Because of their length, reaching up to 1.75 inches, they’re a bit of a surprise to see. The “eyes” that you notice immediately are not actually its eyes, as you can see in the photo above, but…
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Recycling And Composting
My Dad was totally into recycling and composting before they were even a thing. When I was little he was often out back burying kitchen scraps in the compost, and mention a scout troop doing a newspaper collection for recycling, he was on board helping out. Later, after he retired, he volunteered at recycling centers…
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A Bird Of All Seasons
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a year round resident, one that doesn’t migrate. Looking stunning all year long, but particularly in late autumn and winter, when there are few colors to complete with their many shades of red. This female Cardinal is enjoying Beautyberry (Callicarpa) drupes. Cardinals and snow. What a perfect combination. _______________________________________________________________________…